A passion for storytelling, food and writing led a University of Arizona alumna to host her own show on the Food Network.
UA 2006 graduate Brandi Milloy’s new show “Let’s Eat” is about easy, fun, delicious recipes that anyone can make. Milloy co-hosts the show with professional chefs Stuart O’Keefe and Jamika Pessoa.
The recipes featured on the show originate as dishes that the three hosts make for their family and friends, according to Milloy. Cooking tips and hacks are incorporated throughout the show, allowing viewers to easily follow along and replicate the recipes at home.
Milloy is a self-taught cook and mentioned that she is constantly learning from her co-hosts.
“What I bring to the table is my food-trend expertise and the experience in recreating viral foods seen all over social media,” Milloy said. “We balance each other out and we believe that the people will enjoy seeing that our relationship with each other is genuine and playful.”
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Milloy’s love of writing and food developed a young age.
“I have always had a passion of food and my father was in the army and we moved around for a couple of years which allowed me to try a variety of cuisines,” Milloy said. “Being able to incorporate my passion for writing, journalistic mindset, plus a love for food [into] an occupation is a dream come true.”
While at the UA, Milloy earned degrees in both English and journalism and later interned at KVOA, a television station in Tucson.
“Writing a story, putting it together, reading from a teleprompter and learning how to connect with people were all skills that I learned at the U of A,” Milloy said. “These are experiences and traits that I take everywhere I go.”
Milloy views herself as a journalist first and a host second, reasoning that the art of storytelling really underscores both roles.
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“When it comes to journalism, you need to be able to be a storyteller, connect with people and be an active listener,” Milloy said. “You should really try to be in the moment and listen to what the interviewer is asking you and listen to what your guest is saying so that you can naturally respond and allow the viewers at home to understand the overall message.”
Milloy says that after years of auditioning, contributing and writing, to be given the opportunity to co-host a full 14-episode show with two people she loves is a surreal and amazing experience to her.
“I feel like, at the end of the day when people tune in on Sundays and watch the show, I hope they want to hang out with us and have a good time,” Milloy said. “There are so many awesome food shows out there, but ultimately, I hope the viewers can be able to learn from us.”
Let’s Eat airs on Sundays at 9 a.m. EST/10 a.m. MST and will run until November.
Social Media Handles:
Twitter: @brandimilloy
Instagram: @brandimilloy
Blog: Brandi Milloy
Show website: Food Network- Let’s Eat
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